Seoul, South Korea — Thousands of fans converged in the heart of Seoul on Saturday to mark the conclusion of the globally acclaimed Netflix series “Squid Game,” which has become a powerful symbol of South Korea’s growing cultural influence.
The event, staged near the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace, celebrated the release of the show’s third and final season on Friday. The dystopian drama, which captivated audiences worldwide with its portrayal of desperate contestants competing in life-threatening versions of childhood games for a colossal cash prize, came to a dramatic close after nearly four years.
Series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk reflected on the journey, expressing mixed emotions: “I’ve poured everything into this project. It’s bittersweet to see it end, but I also feel a great sense of relief.”
The fan celebration featured participants clad in the show’s iconic pink jumpsuits and black masks, echoing the mysterious guards from the series. Oversized props from the games, including replicas of the eerie animatronic doll Young-hee, were also paraded through the streets, along with flags bearing the show’s insignia.
Park Sang-gyu, an enthusiastic viewer who binge-watched the final season overnight, said the series resonated far beyond its fictional contests. “It’s more than just a survival game. It mirrors real-life struggles and the complexities of human nature,” he said.
Adding to the spectacle, the Seoul Metropolitan Library was illuminated with projections of iconic scenes from the show, creating a vivid nighttime tribute to the series’ most memorable moments.
Actor Lee Byung-hun, who portrayed the enigmatic “Front Man,” remarked on the show’s legacy: “Squid Game has become a cultural landmark. It has drawn one of the most defining lines in the history of Korean storytelling.”
The first two seasons of the drama ranked among Netflix’s most-watched titles, and in 2022, both Hwang Dong-hyuk and lead actor Lee Jung-jae made history as the first Asian men to win Emmy Awards.
The final chapter follows protagonist Gi-hun, played by Lee, as he re-enters the brutal games—not for survival this time, but to bring down the sinister system from within.
Together with Oscar-winner “Parasite” and global music phenomenon BTS, Squid Game is credited with elevating South Korea’s position as a dominant force in global entertainment and pop culture.
By Taiwo Olatinwo | June 28, 2025
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